A Different Spirit

Each one of my boys are different. As infants, it was fun watching their personalities emerge. Now, it's just as fun watching their children - my grandchildren - and each one's uniqueness. I love what Scripture says about this man: "But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it." (Numbers 14:24 NASB). Caleb was different from others - something set him apart. That word different implies no hesitation nor delay nor hindrance. We know from earlier verses that Caleb (and Joshua), two of the twelve spies to Canaan, stood firm before the people that they should trust The Lord as they faced strong fortified cities and giants in the land. By Caleb's courageous testimony declared his complete trust in God fulfilling His promise to His people. He was different, unique and his bravery mattered to The Lord. Oh, how we need more Believers who are of a "different spirit" - a boldness about them! Those who choose righteousness over sin, who willingly speak truth in the presence of lies, who practice obedience in midst of rebellion, who faithfully do what is right in the sight of The Lord. Unlike his generation, Caleb (and Joshua) tasted the sweetness of the Promised Land, as did his descendants! The choices we make today influence tomorrow, they matter; and, there's nothing wrong with being different than the world. Actually, the blessed of God will be of ... a different spirit.

Less of Me

Before long Mister Bill will be packing our car and we'll be heading to the beach for vacation with the kids and grand kids. I've learned it's best for me to stay out of his way and let him do the packing because the things he packs ... well, I would leave at home. Before he's done, there's no rhyme or reason, no neat and tidy order. The car resembles the Clampetts [of Beverly Hillbillies fame]! John the Baptist was the promised forerunner of The Messiah, the one who would preach repentance and boldly testify, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29 ESV). Later John would make speak these profound words of The Savior: "He must increase but I must decrease" (John 3:30 ESV). Unlike us so often, John had a proper perception of who he was in relation to Jesus; at one point John made it plain by saying, "I am not the Christ" (John 1:20 AMP). I suggest many Believers today say with their lips "I love Jesus" yet they reign and rule their own lives with a mighty hand. Much like our car, when packed and ready to go, has little room left for one more thing - so we are so full of ourselves, we leave no room for The Savior to rule and reign in us. There must be a decrease of one thing for there to be an increase of another. John is a model for us - a right self-perception of who we are and who we are not! More of Jesus ... less of me!

Trust Him!

Next to my Pop and Granny's was an abandoned house, and I remember the big-bold sign warning people to stay away.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, "I tell you, stop being worried or anxious about your life." We say, "it's only natural" to to be ever uneasy about life.  Of course, it is!  The Child of God, however, has been given a new nature - one which does not practice infidelity (unfaithfulness) to obeying The Holy Spirit Who lives within.  Most commonly, it's the little things of life that distract us and draw us away from fully trusting God. "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor gather and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth more than they?" (V.26). Jesus' message is simple and clear: trust Me!  Prayerfully and humbly consider what cares trouble you then abandon them, giving them to God Almighty (El Shaddai) the One (and only One) Who is completely able and trustworthy. Trust Him!​

Redeemed

Store coupons frustrate me! If I even remember to take them with me or use them, they are expired. The look on the cashier's face in no way matches the look on mine. Those who have believed on Jesus (Believers) have this great assurance: "In [Jesus] we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14). That word "redemption" means "a releasing of a debt by full payment." And, how? "In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sin, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7). What a shame so many have rejected what God has done for spiritual freedom! Nonetheless, it is done, paid in full. No one will be collecting coupons on that future Day of The Lord [when He returns]: "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2). Believe on Him now then put on your happiest face. You've been redeemed!

No Shame

Every time I hear the word "shame," I think of how Gomer Pyle accentuated the word: "Shame! Shame! Shame!" he would say in his slow prolonged Southern drawl. I'm also reminded of one of our familly pets (named DC) who knew he was in trouble, and do his best to hide from us. According to Noah Webster's 1868 dictionary, shame is "a painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt." Although I've often said there is little shame these days, we all know what shame is or what it should be! In Paul's second letter to young Timothy, he wrote,  "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP). The word "study" carries with it the state of eagerness to be the best we can be. Let's be clear: the world's idea of best is not the standard Paul is referring to in this verse. He plainly says the standard is one approved by God! For the child of God (born-again, redeemed), this state-of-being unashamed is not to be taken casually. Scripture tells us that Ezra "devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel" (Ezra 7:10 NIV). Honestly, that to which we "devote" ourselves to reveals what we consider most important - a priority. Let me say from experience: neglect leads to shame. When I neglect mopping or scrubbing or dusting, my floors, bathrooms and furniture become "shamefully" dirty. Paul reminds us to make haste (eagerly, diligently) give our very best effort (do our best) to study and meditate on God's Word so that we become approved by God Most High and bear ... no shame.